RIDING THROUGH RICE FIELDS

Mateo glimpses another side of Dad as the two return to the Philippines for a family reunion.

Living in the city, Mateo and Dad “look at each other, but we don’t really see each other.” Yet the young narrator hopes for a deeper relationship when the pair arrive in the Philippines: “I see something in his eyes that I’ve never seen before—adventure.” As the two set off on bicycles, Dad shows Mateo the beautiful vistas of his homeland: “mountains that look like they’re made of chocolate and…a jewel of a turquoise river.” All are artfully brought to life by layered bright lines, shapes, and textures. The gentle rhythm of the first-person narrative continues as Dad explains the tradition of bayanihan—“coming together as a community to help a fellow neighbor in need”—after the two help a group of people who are literally moving a house. The duo are then on the receiving end of bayanihan when Mateo’s flat bike tire is secretly fixed by a stranger. Finally, Mateo meets extended family and learns stories about Dad from titas and titos (“He’s mischievous and loves adventure. Like me”), finding a sense of joy that lingers long after they leave the Philippines. The alluring illustrations pair well with the uplifting message of building community—the image of Mateo, Dad, and their neighbors planting a garden together back home brings the tale to a warm conclusion.

A tender tale of family, culture, and connection.